Page 84 of Just Like That

Friends.

Friends.

TWENTY-SEVEN

JP

“So what’s the plan?”I asked, clapping my hands together and attempting to get this show on the road.

“The plan”—Sylvie rolled her eyes at me—“is to have fun.” She grabbed my shoulders and tugged. “Come on. Show me who’s excited to be here.”

“Thrilled.” I deepened my scowl before making a subtle, silly face at her. When hers lit up with a smile, the tension in my shoulders lifted.

Maybe it wasn’t so hard to be a decent human after all.

I peeked at Hazel, only to catch her eyeing my forearms while she chatted with Veda. I hiked my sleeves a little higher since a sick part of me seemed to get off on the fact that she appreciated the way I looked.

I was acutely aware of Teddy’s presence at the brewery and knew I should probably stop eye-fucking his aunt, but I couldn’t help it. The tension between us was palpable.

Probably because you came all over her tits and that dress does nothing to hide the fact that she’s braless.

I smiled at myself. If it weren’t for me stepping in, Charles would be the one to appreciate how the gold fabric hugged her rib cage and flared out at her hips. When I had stopped into his wine shop to deliver the news that he was uninvited to the outing, he had had the audacity to scoff and try to dismiss me.

Fucking dick weasel.

Joke’s on him, because I was not above a mild threat to buy the entire building and open my own wine shop for the sole purpose of sinking his business. One tiny, unfounded threat to his precious business and he caved.

He didn’t deserve her.

I tried to focus on whatever story my ridiculous older brother Royal was weaving, but my gaze—and my thoughts—kept wandering to Hazel.

I had tried so hard to dislike her. Disliking her was so much simpler, but after spending weeks together, watching her effortlessly enjoy life and how patient and loving she was with Teddy ... I was starting to worry that I might actuallycarefor her.

Caring for someone was dangerous. It gavethemthe power. I could confidently say I’d never allowed myself to truly love a woman.

I’d never wanted to.

But somehow, with Hazel, it no longer felt like a choice. My sad attempt to be her friend was already failing miserably.

Our bodies circled each other as our group mixed and mingled, slowly orbiting until I found myself side by side with her. I made no bones about tilting my head toward her and pulling her signature fragrance into my lungs. She was bright, rich, and sensual.

All I could think about was whether she’d taste the same with my face buried between her thighs. I wanted that ridiculous date to end, but Hazel was laughing in a way that told me I’d be a complete prick if I hauled her over my shoulder like a caveman and took her home with me.

My dick twitched at the thought.

Instead, I reined myself in and tried to relax. Sloane and Abel brought Teddy around to say goodbye when they left the brewery and headed back to their place for the sleepover. He was so excited that I’d barely gotten a second glance. I shook Abel’s hand with a pinched smile, and a jerky head nod was my way of offering him thanks.

Royal walked over with Veda tucked beneath his arm. “Now that Abel’s gone, it won’t hurt his feelings if we head up to the Grudge. You in?”

“We’ll go!” Sylvie slid her hand into Duke’s. He looked down at his wife and smiled. That man was so gone for my sister he would willingly suffer through another bar just to make her happy.

Hazel deserved something like that. Not someone itching to get out of a cheap polyester tracksuit and find comfort in the solitude of his quiet home.

My eyes flicked to Hazel as excitement danced through her, and my chest pinched. She was young. Dancing at bars was still probably her thing.

“It’s karaoke night up there, right?” I asked my brother.

Royal grinned. “Sure is.”

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